Chairperson Cindy DeLuca called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. with the following members in attendance:  Cindy DeLuca (St. Peter’ the Apostle School); Ken Cull (Itasca School District #10); Maureen McDonald (District #10 Board of Education); Pam Mitchell (Benson Primary School); Kara Fleming (IEPTO Representative); Chris Carling (Springbrook Nature Center); Ellen Leahy (Village of Itasca); John Binneboese (Itasca Bank & Trust Company); and Catherine Seger, Recorder.  Introductions were made around the table.

Approval of the December 14, 2005 minutes – A motion was made by Ken and seconded by Chris that the minutes be approved.  The motion carried on a VOICE VOTE:  All AYES: NAYS none.

Chairperson’s Report – Chairperson Cindy delivered her report.  The first item was to change the regular coalition meetings to coincide with the Youth Council meeting since they typically follow each other.  It was determined to best accomplish this by have the coalition meet next month and then every other month thereafter.  This will align the Character Counts! Coalition meetings with the Youth Council meetings.

Cindy had spoken with Carol Schreiber and Todd Gordon regarding a web site for the Coalition.  Todd’s charge would be between $800 and $1,000 and if the coaliton would create it, it could be cheaper.   Dream Weaver used to create web sites is not user friendly.  Cindy  presented  information on Ready Hosting  at a cost of approximately $100.00 per year.  She distributed copies of the information.  We could create our own web site.  Cindy can get some help with this project.  Discussion ensued.  It can be done from a home computer.  Chris said she would like to help with the design.

Cindy distributed proposed forms for “Graduate of Good Character” Annual Award.  Students will complete and submit the application.  Three students will be chosen –one from Peacock, one from St. Peter’s, and one from St. Luke’s.  Winners will receive a $25.00 bond plus their school will receive $100.00 to further character education. Discussion ensued. It was suggested to put either a picture on the blank page in the brochure or list the pillars. The Itasca Business Council is sponsoring this award.  In addition, schools will receive a plaque to which winners’ names can be added annually

Chairperson Cindy also up-dated the “Show Your Good Character Awards“ forms and created a display for the brochures.  Once the brochures are approved, she will distribute the display with the forms around town.

Marketing Committee Report – Cindy DeLuca, Brian Meyer, John Binneboese, and Tom Kryger  have recently held a meeting.  The committee had decided rather than a scholarship program for graduating seniors, they would substitute this with the  “Graduate of Good Character” award discussed above.

They also made a decision to contact area businesses in an effort to obtain donations.  They are planning to speak at the IBC some time during the spring to help solicit for these donations.  They would also like to develop some type of a donation scale to present with their requests for donations and will be meeting again to work out the specifics for this venture.

Cindy had written a thank you letter to the Itasca Business Council for their generous donation to the “Graduate of Good Character” award.  She read the letter to the coalition members in attendance and will send it tomorrow. 

Recognition Committee Report – The committee had met today as reported by Chris.  She and Betsy had developed a shorter version of the application form for the Show Your Good Character Award and Betsy will forward this application to Cindy. 

During a discussion of the form for the “Graduate of Good Character” award, John suggested that the word “essay” be eliminated and replaced with a word that might be less cumbersome, i.e., summary.  Discussion ensued.  It was decided to use the term “short essay”.

Reports from Organizations -

Village of Itasca – Ellen Leahy, representative from the Village of Itasca, read a thank you letter received from the Red Cross for the Village’s hurricane relief efforts.

Itasca School District #10 Schools – Pam Mitchell reported that at Peacock, Pat Butler has a new display case.  The display is a catalyst for students being acknowledged for their good works.  She gave some instances of students’   good deeds.

Franzen – has sent home a student activity sheet.  They have also discussed the role of the bystander in bullying and were asked to write down six things they can do if they see someone bullying. 

Benson – Pam reported that in the spring, Benson is going to raise funds to help a school in Kenya.  There is a small committee trying to develop some ideas of what students can do.

Benson has also started collecting Pennies for Patients that began several years ago in an effort to raise money for leukemia.  They are In the middle of “caring” right now and will have an assembly at the end of the month.  Pam also talked about the Community Leaders’ Luncheon.  She indicated that it is changing this year in that there will not be any lunch served.  There will be something but not lunch.  The Community Leaders’ event is on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.  Career day is approaching on March 16.  Cindy gave Pam some suggestions for people to contact for Career Day. 

IEPTO – Nothing to report.

Spring Brook Nature Center – They are focusing on volunteers and how they help out.  There will be lots of information in their newsletters.

St. Peter’s Catholic School – Cindy reported that they had just completed Catholic School’s Week.  Report cards will be going out and acknowledgements will be included in the report card regarding students who had shown good character.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, 5:15 p.m. in the Administrative Center. 
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.